Bryleigh “Sunny” Lavender Clarke and Abbey Hammond are two standout young Australian talents who are quickly making their mark across pageantry, runway modelling, and the performing arts industry. Recently recognised as GEQ Cover Model Search winners and the latest GEQ Cover Models, both girls represent a new generation of rising stars who combine natural stage presence with determination, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose.
At just 9 years old, Bryleigh—affectionately known as Sunny—has already built an extraordinary journey in modelling and community advocacy. Living in Lalor Park, Sydney, she balances school life at Vardys Road Public School with a busy schedule of competitions, runway appearances, and charity work. Born two months premature and living with a chromosomal disorder and a congenital heart condition, Sunny has turned her personal challenges into powerful advocacy. She proudly supports organisations such as the Miracle Babies Foundation, Jeans for Genes Day, and the Heart Foundation, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire others. Sunny’s pageant journey began at just five months old, and she has since become a consistent winner across glitz pageants, runway shows, and photographic competitions, earning multiple supreme titles nationally and internationally. Beyond the stage, she is deeply involved in volunteering, fundraising, and community support initiatives, showing maturity and compassion far beyond her years.
Abbey Hammond is a dynamic young performer with a strong passion for the arts, including opera singing, musical theatre, acting, dance, and modelling. As a GEQ Cover Model Search winner and featured GEQ Cover Model, Abbey continues to grow as one of Australia’s most promising young talents in both pageantry and performance. One of her proudest achievements was performing in The Magic Flute at the Sydney Opera House, where she played one of the Three Spirits—an experience that strengthened her love for live theatre and opera. She has also achieved success in numerous national and international competitions, earning awards that reflect her discipline, resilience, and dedication to excellence.
Together, Sunny and Abbey represent creativity, confidence, and ambition—two inspiring young GEQ Cover Models shining brightly in Australia’s fashion and performing arts scene.
Meet Bryleigh “Sunny” Lavender Clarke: A Rising Star with a Heart for Service
Bryleigh Sunshine Lavender Clarke, affectionately known as “Sunny”, is a bright and determined 9-year-old from Lalor Park, Sydney, who is quickly making her mark in Australia’s pageant and runway scene. Turning 10 on March 16th, Sunny is already balancing school life at Vardys Road Public School in Year 4 with an impressive list of achievements in modelling, charity work, and community service that would challenge even adults.
Sunny lives at home with her mum, Kristina, dad, Matt, and younger brother, Kohdi. Her older sister Talea lives in Albury with her husband Jack and their daughter Millie, making Sunny a proud auntie at just nine years old—a role she embraced with excitement when Millie was born in May last year.
Born two months premature and facing significant health challenges early in life, Sunny has become a passionate advocate for several charities close to her heart, including the Miracle Babies Foundation, Jeans for Genes Day, and the Heart Foundation. Her lived experience has shaped a deep sense of empathy and purpose, which she channels into ongoing fundraising and awareness efforts.
Despite her young age, Sunny has already built an extraordinary pageant and modelling career. She first stepped onto the stage at just five months old and has since become a powerhouse in Australian glitz pageantry. She has collected an impressive array of titles including Ultimate Grand Supreme, Grand Supreme, Mini Grand Supreme, and multiple category supremes across fashion, photogenic, theme, and outfit divisions. Her success also extends internationally, as she holds a Grand Supreme title from an online USA pageant.
Sunny made history at age five in the National Australian Miss Program, becoming the first-ever double-crowned winner, taking out both National Australian Petite Miss and Charity Miss for Regency International. She also won Overall Spokesmodel, impressing judges with her confidence and public speaking ability at such a young age. She went on to reclaim a charity title again at age seven, further cementing her reputation as a consistent performer and dedicated ambassador.
Beyond the stage, Sunny is deeply committed to community service. She has helped raise over $12,000 for charities such as Ronald McDonald House Charities, Luke Priddis Foundation, and others. Her fundraising efforts include crafting and selling her own hair scrunchies, hosting online crafternoons, participating in charity runway events, and completing physical challenges. She also volunteers in her local community—reading to babies, assisting in special needs classrooms, visiting nursing homes, and supporting Salvation Army donation drives.
Sunny’s talent also extends to the runway, where she first competed at age six in Strut Runway, winning both the Mini NSW and Mini Australian titles. She has since walked in major fashion events, including Sydney International Kids Fashion Week 2025, where she walked for more designers than any other model in the show.
Now part of Kristina’s Klassic Beauties Coaching Team and supported by runway coach Miss Emmy Gelardi-Bunyi, Sunny continues to grow her skills while preparing for upcoming competitions, including Little Miss Earth Australia and Twinkle Toes Pageants. With ambitions extending toward international stages such as Bangkok Kids International Fashion Week in 2027, Sunny’s journey is only just beginning.
With her combination of resilience, talent, and compassion, Bryleigh “Sunny” Clarke is not only a rising star in the fashion world, but also a young changemaker lighting the way for others.
Abbey Hammond Shines Bright as Miss Teen Galaxy Australia 2026 National Finalist
Abbey Hammond continues to make her mark in the Australian pageant and performing arts scene, recently achieving an impressive milestone as a Miss Teen Galaxy Australia 2026 National Finalist, where she was awarded 1st Runner-Up in her age division. This achievement adds to her growing list of accomplishments and further cements her reputation as one of the country’s most promising young talents.
Previously crowned Junior Teen Oceania Regency for 2024, Abbey has built a name for herself as a dedicated and versatile performer with a strong passion for the arts. Her love for opera singing, musical theatre, acting, dance across multiple genres, and modelling has shaped her journey, allowing her to express creativity and emotion through a wide range of performance styles.
One of the most defining moments of Abbey’s career so far was performing in The Magic Flute at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Taking on the role of one of the Three Spirits, Abbey stood on one of Australia’s most prestigious stages alongside a talented cast of performers. The experience not only strengthened her confidence but also deepened her love for opera and live performance. It remains a proud milestone that continues to inspire her artistic growth.
Abbey’s journey has been shaped by consistent participation in national and international competitions, where she has earned multiple awards and accolades. Each event has contributed to her development, teaching her the importance of discipline, preparation, resilience, and perseverance. Rather than seeing competition as pressure, Abbey embraces it as an opportunity to improve, refine her skills, and challenge herself to reach higher standards of excellence.
Beyond her success on stage and in pageantry, Abbey is also recognised for her strong competitive spirit and commitment to personal growth. She understands that success in the performing arts requires more than talent—it demands dedication, hard work, and the courage to keep improving with every performance. These values have become central to her journey and continue to guide her as she progresses in both modelling and performing arts.
As Junior Teen Oceania Regency for 2024, Abbey takes pride in using her platform to inspire other young people. She is passionate about encouraging others to follow their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face. Her message is simple but powerful: with determination and belief in oneself, anything is possible. Abbey hopes her journey will motivate others to pursue their passions with confidence and persistence.
Abbey Hammond stands out as more than just a performer—she is a role model in the making. Her dedication to the arts, combined with her achievements in pageantry, reflects a young talent with both ambition and heart. As she continues her journey in Miss Teen Galaxy Australia and beyond, Abbey is poised to leave a lasting impact on the industry, inspiring others through her passion, grace, and unwavering commitment to excellence.